Community Corner

La Jolla Parents Warned About Summer Pool Safety

Four San Diego County children have drowned so far this year.

Sometimes even great parents make mistakes when it comes to pool safety, San Diego Fire-Rescue Capt. Albert Preciado said Thursday as officials countywide warned about drownings as kids leave school for summer break.

"I've been on plenty of calls where somebody just went to the bathroom real quick and the next thing you know, their kid is in the pool," Preciado said.

Four San Diego County children have drowned so far this year, and last year seven children ages 14 and younger drowned, according to a county news release.

“It’s tragic to hear about the death of a child due to accidental drowning,” county Supervisor Greg Cox said. “It can almost always have been prevented by keeping an eye on kids all the time they are in the water.”

Preciado said supervision is the most important thing, but fences, locks and swimming lessons can help decrease the chances of drownings.

Debra Zanders-Willis, the director of County Child Welfare Services, said children need 100 percent attention when they are near water.

"With young children, it is important to know they can drown not only in pools but also in as little as a few inches of water," she said.

Officials also caution that plastic inflatable flotation devices can't substitute for life jackets and good supervision.

“We want residents to always keep water safety in mind when kids are swimming so that they and their families can have fun and be safe this summer,” Zanders-Willis said.


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